Greetings!
I hope you've had an opportunity to read about our exciting new drive to secure the future of AWIS - our $5 million endowment campaign.
If you haven't already given, I hope you are considering a gift. AWIS has always been a member-driven organization and first and foremost, we need your support. A strong commitment from within our organization will enable us to seek additional support from external sources.
In order to continue our legacy, AWIS seeks to build an endowment of $5 million to support the expansion of its infrastructure essential for maintaining a strong national presence by:
- Advocating for improved public programs and policies that enhance the status of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics;
- Mounting a multi-year initiative to help mid-career women in STEM prepare for and reach leadership roles in academia, industry, and government;
- Expanding initiatives which promote diversity through internships, travel stipends, and child care support across the organization including the national board, the chapters, and the AWIS membership;
- Strengthening our grassroots outreach in conjunction with AWIS Chapters throughout the U.S. through improved communication and technology.
Before we can go public with our endowment campaign, we need to have cash and pledges in hand totaling $2.5 million, or 50% of our total campaign goal of $5 million. The goal to be raised from our AWIS members is $2 million. While an average donation of $140/year for each of 5 years from every AWIS member would satisfy this goal, we recognize that this may not be possible for everyone in today's economic reality. We encourage everyone to commit to a minimum 5-year pledge at whatever level is comfortable now and to increase the amount from year to year as finances permit. We urge those who can commit to $140/year (or more) to do so because others will not be able to meet the $140/year amount.
If you haven't received your letter and pledge form and would like to give, please call me at 860.286.8682 or send me an e-mail at ivey@hartford.edu.
Thank you in advance.
Betty Ivey
Chair
AWIS Endowment Committee |
| Education |
Bringing Students to the STEM Fields: What One College is Doing.
Eastfield Community College, with help from the National Science Foundation, has improved enrollment of minority groups, women, and people with disabilities in the STEM majors by more than 57 percent. More importantly, the college increased its very low retention rate from 15 to 46 percent. The secret? Students work in a science setting and recieve a stipend. The students work at universities providing basic lab support, in national parks, or other areas where they conduct sampling activities and aid scientists with large projects. This avoids what is known as a "drill and kill," where students in introductory sciences courses become frustrated and quit.
Attracting STEM Students
Revolt Against Outsourced Courses
Here's the pitch: "Can you really GO TO COLLEGE for LESS THAN the cost of your monthly CELL PHONE BILL?" How affordable? $99 for a course. And if you take the courses offered by StraighterLine -- in composition, economics, algebra, pre-calculus, and accounting -- you don't need to worry that the company isn't itself a college. Students at Fort Hays State University, an institution of 10,000 students in Kansas which accepts credits from StraighterLine, have expressed their dissatisfaction. In articles in the student newspaper and in Facebook groups (attracting debates with the university's provost and the company's CEO), the students argue that StraighterLine is devaluing their university and higher education in general. Lawrence V. Gould, the provost at Fort Hays and the architect of the university's ties to StraighterLine, states the underlying purpose of the SL-FHSU partnership is to use SL as a lead generator. As students across the country enroll in StraightLine courses, the hope is that they will then enroll at FHSU for the remaining 121 credits. He claims, with less money from the state, public comprehensive universities are having to become more 'mission-centered and market-smart' at the same time.
Outsourcing College Credits |
| Government |
Holdren and Lubchenco Nominations Clear Senate
It was pretty much smooth sailing, with questions about climate change, climate science, and scientific integrity at the Senate confirmation hearing for John Holdren, director-designate of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Jane Lubchenco, administrator-designate of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Click here for archived webcast and written opening statements. |
| International |
European Inventor 2009: Solutions to Global Challenges Nominated
Breakthrough
inventions such as the commercial use of solar energy, powerful
long-life batteries for hybrid cars, a successful malaria drug, and the
"fastskin" swimsuit inspired by shark skin are among the nominations
for the Inventor of the Year 2009 award.
Click For A List of Nominees
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| Careers |
The Teacher Surge
The economic recession has motivated many people to switch careers and become teachers. More options are emerging to help with the transition, such as the New Teacher Project, which has experienced a 44% increase in applicants since last year. The government's economic stimulus plan provides for these programs in an effort to encourage participation by those who may not have the means to earn another college degree. A recent study from the Education Department shows that students do equally well whether taught by a traditional or alternate route teacher. According to the National Center for Alternative Certification, experienced professionals who transition into teaching remain in their positions longer than other new teachers.
Switching Careers to Teaching
Ambition and Gender Equality
A study recently released by the Families and Work Institute reveals that women with children are just as ambitious in their careers as their childless counterparts. In 2002, 48% of young mothers expressed a desire for more job responsibility; that number has grown to 66% today. The study was not able to pinpoint the source of this motivation. Another notable increase is in the number of men who experienced work-family conflicts. In 1977, 34% of men and women surveyed reported work-life conflicts. Today, 45% of men, compared to 39% of women, cite the same obstacles. Additionally, a growing percentage of men and women report confidence that working women can be good mothers. Those respondents who were raised by a working mother were much more likely to agree that working mothers are comparable caregivers to stay-at-home moms.
The New Workplace Equalizer: Ambition
The Secrets of the Talent Scouts
As collapsing financial markets and a rapidly deteriorating economy have touched off a race to retrench, many recruiters are still competing for top talent.A favorite starting point for talent-spotters is to cast a wide net, finding intriguing candidates who might never appear on rivals' radar screens. Recruiters are approaching companies and potential candidates in a different way.Silicon Valley venture capitalist K. Ram Shriram's advice to anyone trying to spot talent is this: Bet on passionate newcomers. "I prefer youth over experience," he says. "You need a spark of idealism, and that's much more likely in someone's first or second start-up."AT Gensler, the architectural firm, is bringing a new twist to its internship program. A major goal involves hiring students from United States universities who grew up in Brazil, Argentina, India, China or the Mideast and might eventually want to return to their native countries later in their careers. Recruiters also discuss incentives. While attractive pay is usually part of what brings talented people into an organization, recruiters say that there's a cadre of talented people who can be pried out of existing jobs only if they sense a chance to do historic work in the new setting. That may mean greater prestige, fame or a sense of rescuing a vital institution. In all of these cases, people are responding to nonfinancial rewards that no one else can match.
Recruiting in this Economy |
| Science and Health |
Yummy Bugs instead of Shots
Scientists are hoping people will be able to ingest genetically engineered probiotic bugs someday instead of receiving vaccine shots. Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully developed a bacterial culture that has historically been used in yogurt to induce immunity to anthrax upon ingestion. The genetically engineered Lactobacillus bacteria carry an anthrax gene, and these bacteria cause a potent and protective immune response in the gut of experimental animals that protects them from anthrax. The researchers hope their approach will be tested in clinical trials and plan to use this strategy for vaccines against infectious agents as well as cancer.
Probiotic Vaccines
Egg turns back the Clock for Old Sperm
Advanced maternal age is associated with an increased risk for genetic abnormalities, but these complications are not typically linked to older fathers. Researchers previously observed that sperm from older men showed signs of aging, including the breakdown of genetic material at the ends of chromosomes known as telomeres. New findings from scientists at the Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden show that older sperm are revitalized upon fertilization of an egg, and the egg cell repairs and lengthen the sperm's degraded telomeres. Thus, older sperm can successfully fertilize eggs and initiate embryonic development in spite of their age.
New Life for Old Sperm
Early Soy Staves off Breast Cancer
A large study of Asian-American women suggests that lifelong consumption of soy protects against breast cancer. This study, recently published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, supports earlier findings indicating a protective effect of soy consumption, but goes on to show that childhood consumption may be the most valuable. A particular group of chemicals in soy, known as isoflavones, may specifically block estrogen-associated cancer development, and their impact may be most powerful in children. Researchers also hope to confirm this intriguing observation in future studies.
Soy in Youth for a Healthy Life |
| Lifestyle |
The Keeper of That Tapping Pen Anne Mulcahy, chairwoman and C.E.O. of Xerox Corporation, sits down for an interview with Adam Bryant. She discusses her management style, career path, how she keeps in contact, and the lessons she's learned in her years in business. Corner Office: Can You Pass a C.E.O. Test?
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| AWIS News and Events |
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AWIS San Diego Chapter
Event: San Diego Science Festival Expo Weekend
Date: Saturday, April 4th, 2009
Time: 9:00am
Location: Balboa Park
Register: All are welcome and can register at: http://awis.npaci.edu
The Inaugural San Diego Science Festival will unite our community to
showcase the Science & Innovation that makes San Diego unique! Join us for the first full-scale celebration of Science the West Coast has ever seen!
AWIS LA/Ventura Chapter
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Event: Organized Hike along the Solistice Canyon Loop
Beautiful views and a chance to get out of the lab/ office? What more
could AWIS members ask for? Come hike the Solstice Canyon Loop outside
of Malibu, CA with us! The 3-mile (roundtrip) trek starts off on the
Rising Sun Trail with spectacular ocean views. The trail leads you
past the Tropical Terrace, ruins of a home built in the 1960's that was
later destroyed by a fire. Tropical Terrace is covered in exotic
plants and stunning pools, and if that isn't enough to entice you, the
hike also takes you by a 30 ft. waterfall! Don't forget to pack a
picnic lunch for a relaxing end to our hike. There are plenty of areas
to explore and the hike is guaranteed to deliver more than a few lovely
views. This hike is rated as "easy" and is expected to last ~ 1.5hrs,
so even the casual hiker need not feel intimidated!
Date: Saturday, April 4th, 2009
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Solstice Canyon Loop, www.nps.gov
Register: Please RSVP Helen McBride at hmcbride@amgen.com.
Also see www.localhikes.com
AWIS East Bay Chapter
Event: The April Networking Social
Please join us at
Berkeley's popular beer garden Jupiter for an informal gathering of
AWIS members and friends! Scientists, non-scientists, women, and men
are welcome!
Date: Tuesday, April 14th, 2009
Time: 6:30-8:00 pm
Location: Jupiter (upstairs seating) 2181 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA
For directions visit:
http://www.jupiterbeer.com/jupiter/info.htm
Cost: Free (no-host bar & food)
Scientists, Non-scientists, Men, Women, All are WELCOME!
AWIS Massachusetts Chapter
Event: Work/Life Balance Panel Discussion
See all of the featured speakers here: http://www.acteva.com
Date: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Opportunity for Networking with panelists.
Refreshments will be served.
Location: The Broad Institute,
Monadnock Room, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5 for Members and Students, $10 for Non-Members Register: http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=180273
AWIS San Diego Chapter
Event: 2009 Women in Science and Technology
(WIST) Conference
The biennial AWIS conference formerly known as, "Women in bioScience," (WIB) is expanding its focus this year, encompassing topics relevant to all women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This one-day symposium includes two keynote speakers and a series of workshops, round-tables, and seminars focusing on career and personal development and hot topics in science.
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2009
Time: 7:30am to 6:00pm
Location: The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Register: All are welcome and can register at: www.awis.sdsc.edu
Registration closes on May 6. Early Bird rates end March 15!
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Opportunities |
Two NIH Funding Opportunities related to The Recovery
Act
The first, the Recovery Act "Grand Opportunities"
Grants program (nicknamed "GO" grants), will support high-impact
ideas that lend themselves to short-term, non-renewable funding and may lay the
foundation for new areas of investigation. Applicants may propose to address a
specific research question or to create a unique infrastructure/resource
designed to accelerate scientific progress in the future. Click here for important details about the project scope and specific requirements for these grants.
Applications for NIGMS "GO" grants should be responsive
to the NIGMS topic list, which is posted at here.
The second, the Recovery Act program for Biomedical Research
Core Centers to Enhance Research Resources, is intended to help institutions
hire tenure-track faculty. The formal name relates to the P30 mechanism
that is used. NIGMS will consider applications from institutions to hire, and
help support start-up packages for, faculty who are newly independent
investigators doing research related to the NIGMS mission. We are particularly
interested in helping to restart faculty searches that were discontinued due to
economic constraints.
Click here for details on specific NIGMS interests and instructions.
Click here to request an application.
Short Survey of Engineers From Around the World
The Government-funded UK Resource Centre for
Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC) and the engineering
staffing company EPCglobal invite you to take part in a short anonymous prize
survey of engineers from around the world, about the position of women in the
profession. The survey has to date been conducted amongst
300 engineers from UK
and the results were discussed at the UKRC's conference earlier this month. We
would also like to get the perspective of engineers in North
America, to share the results with the North American media. The survey, which takes under 4 minutes to
complete, is open between March 19 and April 10 2009.
A respondent will be drawn at random to win a prize of £150 (or your local
currency equivalent) in Amazon vouchers. Click here to access the survey.
Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship
enables highly-qualified scientists and scholars of all nationalities and all
disciplines to carry out research projects for extended periods of time in
cooperation with academic hosts at research institutions in Germany. Fellowships
are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, the quality and feasibility
of the proposed research and the applicant's publications.
Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers are for postdoctoral scientists and scholars who have completed a
doctoral degree within four years prior to the application submission date are
eligible. This fellowship allows for a stay of 6-24 months in Germany and provides
a monthly stipend of 2,250 EUR. Click here for application materials and detailed information.
Fellowships for Experienced Researchers are for scientists and scholars who have completed a
doctoral degree within twelve years prior to the application submission date
are eligible.
This fellowship allows for a stay of 6-18 months in Germany which may be
divided into a maximum of three visits of at least three months each and provides
a monthly stipend of 2,450 EUR. Click here for application materials and detailed information.
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AWIS FELLOW
Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus
2009Vannevar Bush Awardee
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Longtime MIT Professor Mildred Dresselhaus has been named the National Science Board's 2009 Vannevar Bush Awardee.
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Support AWIS
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Help other women in science! Donate to AWIS for its programs and/or to the Educational Foundation for its fellowships.
Your tax-deductible donation to AWIS supports the wide-ranging advocacy
and career development activities of the National Office and the
Executive Board.
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Learn more
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